Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

We now do have a pathway for acquiring a nuclear powered submarine capability, with the first Australian flagged submarine in the water a full decade earlier than was anticipated this time last year. We are growing the defence budget significantly beyond what those opposite provided, and we are completely transforming our standing in the world, being treated far more seriously by our allies and beginning the process of stabilising our relationship with China.

But there is much more to be done, because this is long-term policy which actually requires application and follow-through. We know there are going to be many more difficult decisions ahead, but we're up for that because we understand the consequence of this moment and we are completely committed to giving this country a government which will keep it safe.

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